England to Face Sporting Kansas City in Additional Closed-Door Friendly Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener

England are arranging an additional closed-door match against Sporting Kansas City following their World Cup opener against Croatia.

Potential extra fixture details England are negotiating a closed-doors training game versus Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City immediately after their opening World Cup match against Croatia. The proposed friendly is expected to take place between Wednesday’s World Cup group-stage clash with Croatia in Dallas at 21:00 BST and England’s second group fixture against Ghana next Tuesday at 21:00 BST. Discussions about the match are ongoing, but representatives connected to the Football Association state that opponents and further specifics have yet to be finalised. England are currently based in Kansas City for the duration of the tournament and hold their daily training sessions at Swope Soccer Village, located roughly fifteen minutes from the city centre. ## Coach and opponent background Sporting Kansas City are led by former Switzerland international Raphael Wicky. England have already participated in one closed-doors preparation match in the United States, facing Miami FC during their pre-tournament training camp in Florida. Should another friendly be confirmed, it will likely serve to increase match readiness for players who receive limited minutes in the Croatia game.